Denico Autry looking forward to playing in Colts' 4-3 defense

The Indianapolis Colts have been among the quietest teams in free agency thus far but they did announce the signing of defensive end Denico Autry, who looks forward to playing in the team’s new 4-3 defensive scheme.

Autry, 27, signed a three-year deal with the Colts, and while he only had another offer to re-sign with the Oakland Raiders, he’s looking forward to playing in the four-man front.

“Just the scheme, the 4-3, just getting off the ball and getting upfield. That’s what I was pretty much looking for,” Autry told reporters Thursday on a conference call. “It’s not so much reading. It’s just all go, so that’s what I really like about it.”

The Colts will be switching defensive schemes under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and they hope the change will result in a more consistent pass rush.

After recording 25 sacks in 2017 — the second-fewest in the league — the Colts will continue to look for ways to improve the unit and Autry feels he can contribute to that cause.

“Just hard-nosed, effort, run all over the field. I can get in any position and play,” Autry said. “So, I’ve got to bring something to the table. So, that’s what they like about me.”

Autry, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Raiders in 2014, can play both defensive end and defensive tackle. He hasn’t discussed his future role with the team just yet, however.

Autry is coming off of a season in which he recorded a career-high five sacks and seven batted passes.

The Colts will likely be making more changes to the defense, but Autry represents the first official acquisition they made in an attempt to improve the pass rush.